FSB warns Scotland can ill afford Brexit export slowdown

trade: Body says access to EU single market is ‘top priority’ for firms

Scotland and the UK cannot afford a Brexit-led slip in exports according to a leading trade organisation

Research by the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland found that almost two thirds of its UK membership regarded the European Union as a priority market, placing it ahead of the US, Australia, China and Canada in the ranks of export destinations.

More than half of the 1,758 small firms polled – 191 of which were Scottish – for the survey said they found it easier to export to the EU than trade outwith the single market.

“The UK and Scottish economies cannot afford to see a slowdown in exports,” the FSB’s Scottish policy convener Andy Willox said.

“FSB is calling on the UK Government to secure the easiest, and least costly, access to the EU single market in the Brexit negotiations.

“Lots of first-time exporters regard EU markets as a training ground and a lower-risk first step to realising their global ambitions.

“In addition, we cannot underestimate the importance of an arrangement which works for firms which import.

“Speciality shops and manufacturers need access to global suppliers so they can in turn service their customers.

“Many of these firms often in turn service UK firms which export.

“Ultimately, this research shows if we want Scottish export volumes to increase then we need frictionless cross-border trade.

“We’re also calling for greater support for small businesses to reach out to non-EU markets.”

The FSB said its research findings were being passed to both the Scottish Government and Scotland Office.

If we want Scottish export volumes to increase then we need frictionless crossborder trade

Andy Willox of FSB Scotland with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. A copy of the FSB’s report will be passed to the Scottish Government.